The perfect preparation for university

There are lots of entry requirements when applying to study Medicine in the UK, such as the UKCAT exam, interviews and work experience.

The tutors on the Newton Programme were wonderful at helping us with our applications and organised mock interview sessions. They even got us a week of shadowing at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital during the summer!

Making friends from across the world

The best thing about the Newton Programme was probably the people I met from all over the world – some of which I still keep in contact with and have become lifelong friends.

We were quite a small group, so we became quite close to each other. I have many fond memories from my time spent in Norwich with them.

Finding my passion in life

I always had an interest in pursuing Medicine at school, but it wasn’t until I did some shadowing and voluntary work experience at hospitals and a stroke rehabilitation centre that I knew it was for me.

It would be a long and tiring day volunteering at the rehab centre, but at the end of the day when I got a smile or thanks from a patient, it was incredibly rewarding. Also, the dynamic nature of the job really appealed to me – I could never do a desk job!

Becoming a Junior Doctor

I chose to study at Cardiff University because I visited it during my A-levels and liked it. It’s a nice, friendly city and the Welsh are lovely people. There are plenty of good hiking spots around if you enjoy the outdoors and it’s also not too big and busy, which I preferred.

Being a student at university has probably been the best time of my life; I have learnt and experienced so much here. I graduated this summer and not long after, started my job as a junior doctor on a hospital ward, which has been exciting but incredibly nerve-racking.

If you’re thinking of applying to INTO but you’re apprehensive about leaving home to study abroad for the first time, don’t worry! The idea sounds daunting and you may be homesick at first, but you will be well looked after and will come to enjoy your time.